Pakistanis over 50 years of age might hear a good news soon as the authorities concerned have discussed for the first time in detail the issue of commissioning “Viagra” in the country and subsequently allowing sales of the drug in local market.
The Ministry of National Regulation and Services discussed the issue in detail in the 235th meeting of Drug Registration Board held on September 18, however, they deferred the matter for policy decision.
A reliable source in the ministry said the in-board meeting had deferred the matter for policy decision and now the relevant policy was being examined to take a final decision in this regard.
According to documents available with Pakistan Today, as many as seven items relating to erectile dysfunction were discussed by the board.
The seven items included Silnafil 25mg tablets for erectile dysfunction, Silnafil 50mg tablets for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, Silnafil 100mg tablet, Sildenafil Citarate, which is generic/brand name of Viagra, Salis 2.5mg and 5mg tablets and Salis 20mg.
Sources in the ministry said despite a ban on sale of Viagra, the drug was easily available at almost at all major drug stores across the country.
They said in view of illegal sale of the drug, some officers in the ministry supported lifting the ban on its sale in the country.
They said besides Viagra, two other drugs – Cillec and Livtra – were also easily available in the market. Sources said Viagra was currently being smuggled from Dubai, India and America. Cillec and Livtra are being illegally imported from UK and Germany.
Common Side Effects: According to a study, the most common among side effects of Viagra are headache, facial flushing, dizziness, visual problems (such as blurred vision, bluish vision and sensitivity to light), nasal congestion and an upset stomach.